Zee Avi

Zee Avi is a Malaysian singer/songwriter, guitarist, ukulele player and visual artist. She is also the winner of the The International Youth Icon Award in 2011 in her birth home Sarawak which has lead to inspirational speaking engagements to young people around the world. She has lived and sold albums all over the world. She was born in Sarawak on the island of Borneo and moved to Kuala Lumpur at the age of 12. Her college years were spent in London at the American InterContinental University where Zee studied Fashion Design. She now resides in the United States.

Zee’s next release is a children’s cover album called Zee Avi's Nightlight which was produced by Kevin Salem in the famous music town of Woodstock, New York. Harkening back to her simple yet powerful roots, the production is all about the subtle hooks and Zee’s vocal. The album includes covers from Lou Reed, Joni Mitchell, the amazingly classic songs “Rainbow Connection” and “Mockingbird” as well as quirky and fun Bobby McFerrin song, “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. The album also features a classic Malaysian lullaby medley.

Zee’s musical history started in 2007. Zee posted a video of her first song “Poppy” on Youtube and continued to post her videos throughout the year. On the eve of her 22nd Birthday, Zee posted the video for “No Christmas For Me.” The next day, she was featured by Youtube and Zee’s mailbox received more than 3,000 e-mails. Due to this feature, Patrick Keeler from renowned band, The Raconteurs, discovered Zee on the internet. Patrick’s discovery and enthusiasm swiftly lead into a record deal with Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records and a publishing deal with Monotone, a management company who represents the White Stripes and The Shins in Los Angeles California.

Since 2007, Zee has released 2 albums and an EP. Her debut album has been certified Gold in 4 countries. Ghostbird , her second album, was also featured in Starbucks across America making Zee the first Malaysian artist to be included in such a campaign. Both albums received many accolades and praise in the press with reviews in Teen Vogue, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Paste and many more.

Zee has extensively toured around the world playing headline shows and several prestigious festivals including Borneo’s Rainforest World Music Festival, Australia's Byron Bay Festival, San Francisco’s Noise Pop, Austin’s South by Southwest, Mountain Jam in New York, Life Is Good in Boston, Lilith Fair, Bonnaroo and Street Scene in San Diego.

Zee has also been honoured with the Brand Laureate Award for leadership as a singer/songwriter and establishing a successful career in the international music scene. Other awards include recognition as one of the Top 10 Young Malaysians by MSN, Notable Alumni from American Intercontinental University, and nominations for best new artist and pop star award at Malaysian Shout Awards.